Cold call scam warning from Norfolk Police

Norfolk Police are urging residents to be vigilant to cold callers claiming to be police officers following an incident in Thetford which happened this week.

On Tuesday 27 November an elderly female victim in Thetford received a call from someone claiming to be ‘DI Adams from Reading police station' informing her that her nephew was in custody and there were some issues surrounding her bank account.

The man then said she needed to withdraw a large sum of money from her local bank. They also arranged for someone to collect a quantity of cash from her property while she was still on the phone.

Detective Constable James Morgan from Thetford CID has urged for residents to be vigilant to this scam.

He said: "We're urging members of the public, particularly the elderly who are primarily being targeted, to be vigilant to cold calls made on the telephone.

"Genuine police officers or staff would never approach residents and ask for cash withdrawals to be made or for people to purchase items on their behalf.

"I would ask people with vulnerable relatives, friends or neighbours to make sure they are aware of this type of scam.”

Officers have this advice:

Never give out personal information about your bank account to anybody over the phone.

If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, ask for their identification number and police force. Hang up and call 101 using a different phone. If you can't use a different phone, wait at least five minutes before calling back. A genuine police officer will not mind waiting while you check.

Police and banks will never ask you to give out personal details such as account numbers or PIN numbers.

If you have given out information which could compromise your bank account security in any way, call your bank to cancel your cards as soon as possible.

Never hand over money to someone at the door to be sent off elsewhere.

Anyone with concerns about such calls should contact Norfolk Constabulary on the non-emergency number 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress. Alternatively, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

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